Tendring CAMRA - Top-Ups

Morris Traveller

On Saturday 22nd April 2017 Tendring CAMRA held their popular 'Morris Traveller' event again to commemorate St George's Day and in support of 'Community Pubs Month'. The Leading Lights Morris Dancers embarked on a day of dancing around five Tendring pubs. The weather was overcast for most of the day; however it stayed dry so the Morris did perform all their traditional dances in the open. As the afternoon progressed the sun did stay out a bit longer.

The Harwich-based Morris dancing side boarded Tendring CAMRA's coach and the combined group of 53 travelled around some of the district's great Real Ale pubs. The Morris performed outside in order to promote all that is wonderful about a traditional English pub selling quality Real Ale.

Songs and music were also performed on the coach and in the pubs and a warm and traditional atmosphere was enjoyed by all. All the pubs made us feel very welcome and a lot of interest was generated amongst pub regulars and passers-by alike.

The five pubs visited were the Maybush Great Oakley, The Red Lion Kirby-le-Soken, The Essex Skipper Frinton-on-Sea, The Manor Great Holland and Wick Lodge Jaywick.

The Real Ale's on offer were Maybush IPA, Blacksheep Ba Ba, Adnams Ghost Ship, Young's Double Drop Chocolate Stout at the Maybush. Young's Double Drop Chocolate Stout, Courage Directors, St Austell Proper Job, Fullers London Pride, Colchester No1 at the Red Lion. Greene King IPA, Harvest Pale Ale, Patron Saint, Old Speckled Hen at the Essex Skipper. Adnams Ghost Ship & Southwold Bitter, Doom Bar, Green King IPA at the Manor. Butcombe Bitter, St Austell Tribute, Adnams Ghost Ship at Wick Lodge.

I think everyone agreed there was a great selection of ale's. My personal favourite beer of the day was the Young's Double Drop Chocolate Stout that was available in the first two pubs.

As part of my welcome talk on the coach I did impress upon everyone that they must ensure they got back onto the coach at the required time and looked out for anyone missing. As I wouldn't be able to keep track of everyone, especially as the beer took effect! At one of the pubs just as we were moving off one of the lady Morris run down the coach saying "stop the coach I have left my Mum in the pub"!

By Mick Hearn